Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a long term condition that affects the digestive system and results in the occurrence of symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain and regurgitation. Even though medication is sometimes required, it is possible to use several home remedies to help manage or reduce the symptoms of GERD. This article looks at some of the home remedies that can be used in the management of GERD.
Avoid Trigger Foods
Some foods are likely to worsen the GERD symptoms and should therefore be omitted from the diet. These are foods that are hot, fried or fatty, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, carbonated beverages, fruits that are citrusy, and tomatoes. It is possible to minimize the symptoms by recognizing and staying away from foods that are likely to trigger one’s personal symptoms. To know about more foods you need to avoid visit a Gastroenterologist in Islamabad for help.
Consume More But Smaller Meals
The stomach is a muscular sac that holds food and separates the esophagus from the small intestine; large meals put pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter hence causing reflux. These include; avoiding large meals and opting for several smaller meals in a day in a bid to ease the pressure that causes GERD symptoms.
Stay Upright After Eating
One should not sleep immediately after a meal as it leads to the flow of stomach acid to the esophagus. Attempt to remain in a standing or sitting position for at least 2 to 3 hours after eating. This can be quite useful especially if the symptoms of GERD are worse in the evening.
Raising the Head Section of Your Bed
Sleeping with extra pillows under the head and upper chest region can also aid in the prevention of reflux; however, the ideal number of pillows one should use is between 6 to 8. To elevate the head in this manner you can use bed risers or a wedge pillow.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Taking a lot of food may put pressure on the stomach and LES hence leading to GERD symptoms. This pressure can be managed and the symptoms eased by adopting a healthy lifestyle with regards to diet and exercise and keeping a healthy weight.
Quit Smoking
It is a known fact that smoking reduces the strength of LES and enhances the acid production in the stomach, both of which are unfavorable for patients with GERD. Giving up smoking also has the added benefit of improving health and the symptoms of GERD.
Ginger
Ginger has an anti-inflammatory effect and can be of great value in the treatment of digestive system disorders. It is recommended to consume ginger tea or to add ginger into food to decrease the intensity of GERD.
Apple Cider Vinegar
It has been noted that applying ACV can help reduce some of the symptoms of GERD in some people. One should take a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and dilute it with a glass of water and take it before meals. Nevertheless, the reader should understand that this remedy is not universal and, on the contrary, may exacerbate the illness in certain cases.
Baking Soda
Baking soda can effectively help in neutralizing the stomach acid and give a quick remedy from heartburn. Baking soda is a powerful and effective remedy that you can use to treat this condition; mix one teaspoon of baking soda with a glass of water and drink it. This remedy should not be taken frequently and should not be used as a long-term treatment.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea has a lessening effect on the inflammation and acidity of the stomach and also has a relaxing effect. Gulping down a cup of chamomile tea before retiring to bed may be helpful in reducing the incidences of GERD and therefore enhance sleep.
Conclusion
To control symptoms of GERD at home, there are the following recommendations concerning the diet, lifestyle, and natural treatments. Although these home remedies may help, it is advised that one seeks the services of a Best Gastroenterologist in Rawalpindi to get a proper treatment plan if the symptoms persist or get worse. Thus, It is imperative to understand that the treatment of GERD has to be done in a very systematic way with consideration of the patient’s needs.
